Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Bio
Richard Lynn Stenhouse Jr. (born October 2, 1987) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 47 Chevrolet ZL1 for Hyak Motorsports. Stenhouse was the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year and won back-to-back Nationwide Series championships in 2011 and 2012. He is also the 2023 Daytona 500 winner, marking a significant achievement in his racing career.
Early Life and Background
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Olive Branch, Mississippi. He began his journey in motorsports at a young age, starting kart racing at just six years old. By the time he transitioned to sprint car racing in 2003, he had already accumulated 47 wins and ninety podium finishes. His early exposure to racing laid a strong foundation for his future career in stock car racing.
Path to Motorsports
Stenhouse’s career began in earnest when he started competing in the 360 cubic inches winged sprint cars. He quickly made a name for himself, winning the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Driver Poll and earning the Dirt Winged Sprint Car Rookie of the Year title in 2003. His success continued as he entered the United States Auto Club (USAC) sprint car series in 2004, where he received dual Rookie of the Year honors in both the sprint car and midget series in 2007. In 2008, he made his major-league stock car racing debut in the ARCA Racing Series, driving for Roush Fenway Racing. He won his first ARCA race at the Drive Smart! Buckle Up Kentucky 150, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the sport.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Career
Early Career (2008-2010)
Stenhouse began his NASCAR career in 2009, competing in a partial schedule in the Nationwide Series. His first notable finish came at Kentucky Speedway, where he placed ninth. The 2010 season proved challenging initially, but he rebounded to secure the NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year title after a strong finish at Homestead.
Breakthrough (2011-2012)
Stenhouse’s breakthrough came in 2011 when he claimed his first Nationwide Series victory at the John Deere Dealers 250 at Iowa Speedway. He followed this with a second win later that year, ultimately securing the Nationwide Series championship by the end of the season. In 2012, he continued his success, winning multiple races and defending his championship title, further establishing himself as a leading driver in the series.
Notable Works and Milestones
Stenhouse’s signature work includes his back-to-back Nationwide Series championships and his victory in the 2023 Daytona 500. He has also been recognized with several awards, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year in 2010 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year in 2013.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has received several nominations and accolades, reflecting his achievements and contributions to the sport of racing.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Awards Won
Stenhouse has won multiple awards, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year in 2010 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year in 2013. His notable achievements also include winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series championships in 2011 and 2012, as well as the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2023.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Family
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is married to Madyson Goodfleisch, with whom he tied the knot on October 26, 2022, in Charleston, South Carolina.
Personal Life
Stenhouse is known for his passion for racing and his dedication to the sport. He has been an Ole Miss Rebels football fan and is a devout Baptist. He was previously in a relationship with fellow driver Danica Patrick from 2012 to 2017. Stenhouse continues to be an influential figure in motorsports, both on and off the track.
